After two months, what happened to the seven Malaysian players who were 'illegally naturalized'?
Seven Malaysian naturalized players suspended for suspected falsification have reacted in contrasting ways: some continue their activities as usual, others remain silent; all are awaiting the conclusion.
Two months after the suspension, seven of Malaysia's naturalized players remain in limbo: some appear on social media as if unaffected, while others remain completely silent. According to The Star Malaysia, new documents from the hearing reveal a worrying commonality: all seven left the citizenship application process entirely to their representatives, failed to verify their own records, and did not respond even when accused of falsifying documents. All remain suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The contrasting picture after the ban.
The impact of the suspension is clearly reflected on social media:
- Gabriel Palmero posted photos of himself participating in a marathon; his personal life is proceeding as normal.
- Rodrigo Holgado continued to share family moments, without mentioning the incident.
- Imanol Machuca posts content about his personal life.
- Conversely, Hector Hevel, Jon Irazabal, and Joao Figueiredo have not posted any updates since the ban came into effect.
- Facundo Garces quietly removed information about Malaysia from his introduction, but still kept a few old photos from his time with the national team.
The testimony reveals a sense of "neglect."
During the hearing before the Disciplinary Committee, all seven maintained they were unaware that fraudulent documents had been submitted on their behalf. However, detailed testimony revealed an alarming level of laxness:
- Gabriel PalmeroInitially, she stated her maternal grandmother was born in Spain, then changed it to Malaysia; she admitted never having seen the documents submitted by her representative.
- Facundo GarcesSending family birth certificates without checking the content; not questioning when documents are suspected of being forged.
- Rodrigo HolgadoBelieving his father's claim that his grandfather was born in Malaysia; relying entirely on his agent, not reading documents and not doing any research after being suspended.
- Imanol MachucaI believed my grandmother was Malaysian and signed as instructed, without verification.
- Joao FigueiredoThe opportunity to play for the national team comes immediately after joining a domestic club; based on information from the agent.
- Jon IrazabalChanged the representative before submitting the application; admitted never to have checked the documents.
- Hector Hevel: signed a confirmation stating that he had lived in Malaysia for 10 years, even though he had never actually stayed that long; claimed to have "signed without reading carefully".
Summary of seven players and key points from their profiles.
| Player | Public status | Key points in the testimony |
|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Palmero | Still posting photos of the marathon | Change the information regarding the maternal grandmother's origin; do not review the documents submitted by the representative. |
| Rodrigo Holgado | Share family moments | Trusting his father's words about his origins; not reading any documents, not investigating further after the suspension. |
| Imanol Machuca | Posting personal activities | I believe my grandmother is Malaysian; I signed as instructed, without verification. |
| Hector Hevel | Silence on social media | Signed the confirmation in Malaysia 10 years ago; "signed without reading carefully" |
| Jon Irazabal | Silence on social media | Changed the representative before submitting; never checked the documents. |
| Joao Figueiredo | Silence on social media | Opportunities to be called up to the national team come after joining a domestic club; based on agent. |
| Facundo Garces | Remove information about Malaysia. | Submit family documents without checking; do not question when documents are suspected of being forged. |
Common denominator from the perspective of the judicial system.
The FIFA Appeals Committee highlighted a common thread throughout the case: none of the seven players reviewed their own documents, nor did they contact their representatives when the fraud allegations arose. To date, all seven remain suspended, their future open to the conclusion of the investigation.
Impact on Malaysian football
The prolonged silence from all parties involved, coupled with the unresolved outcome, has plunged Malaysian football into uncertainty, directly impacting personnel plans and public confidence. Amidst escalating tensions, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has strongly condemned the assault on sports journalist Haresh Deol and called on authorities to investigate and ensure the safety of the media.
In addition, the issue of the national team's personnel is also being questioned, as coach Shin Tae Yong has left open the possibility of working in Malaysia. However, all scenarios will become clearer after the investigation into the group of naturalized players reaches a final conclusion.
For now, the contrast between the public statements of the seven players and the findings from the records highlights a major lesson in professional football risk management: no one can “completely delegate” their agents the systemic legal obligations.
